Pixar has developed not only a reputation for creating some of the best original animated features in movie history but also by not letting things slip too much with their sequels.
When it comes to Incredibles 2, the idea of a sequel seemed a bit strange since it had been 14 years since the first movie came out. However, while it was not quite up to the level of the Toy Story sequels — where each movie surpassed the one that came before it — it is right up there in terms of quality entertainment.
Incredibles 2 starts immediately after The Incredibles ended. The family jumped into action to battle the Underminer as he attacked the city. While they won the battle, there was damage to the city and the public blamed the heroes once again.
Things were worse this time around. The Superhero Relocation Program was officially shut down and since the Parr’s house was destroyed in the last movie, there is no government agency left to help get them back on their feet — and superheroes are still illegal.
While the first movie had Helen staying at home to watch the kids while Bob worked as an insurance salesman, this movie flipped the idea on its head. One of the biggest fans of superheroes is rich telecommunications mogul Winston Deavor, who has a plan to use his money to help turn the public tide back in favor of the superheroes.
He does this by sending out Elastigirl to act as a hero and adds a video camera to her uniform, where he shows the public what it really takes to be a superhero, knowing that the public usually just saw the outcome and didn’t see them actually saving everyone.
Meanwhile, Bob is left at home to raise Dash, Violet (who is having a ton of problems since the boy she met in the last movie had his mind wiped and forgot he asked her out), and Jack-Jack.
It is Jack-Jack who steals every scene he is in, as he learns about his new powers (and there are a ton of them). Edna is also back as she helps Bob learn how to contain Jack-Jack’s powers.
When a villain known as Screenslaver shows up and starts to hypnotize people to do his bidding, it is up to Elastigril, and eventually, her entire family, to stop the villain and save the day once again.
This movie also introduces a number of new heroes and does a bit more world-building than the last movie did.
At the end of the day, Brad Bird proves that he is still a master storyteller and his animated efforts (both Incredibles movies, Ratatouille and The Iron Giant) are all masterpieces.
The movie does a great job of showing the changing family dynamic as Elastigirl has to prove to Mr. Incredible that she is able to handle the job of supporting the family while he has to prove that he is capable of being a dad first — and a hero second.
No, Incredibles 2 is not quite up to the level of the first movie, but it slightly surpasses the very endearing Finding Dory and is better than Monsters University. At the end of the day, it is yet another success for Pixar and a quality sequel to one of the company’s most beloved movies.
